Tanner's newborn photos

we had Tanner's newborn pictures done when he was just a mere eight days old with our favorite photographer, Kristal. I truly love every single picture. she has a way of capturing those sweet, real life moments. this has been such a precious time for our little family and to have moments to look back on of those first days with our baby boy- it's priceless.

so now... a big over-share of our photos :)

I'm now so ready to order prints of these and hang them around our home :)

Xoxo

-Brittney

follow along on instagram @brittneyhjelseth

one month favorites

we've gotten through our first month with a newborn, and I have to say we have transitioned quite well! beyond thankful for that! though a lot of it is due to having a sweet, mellow baby, there have been some items that have helped ease us into our new normal. now don't get me wrong, we've definitely had our times where morning comes all too quickly and bedtime can't come quick enough.

nuroo swaddler // we started swaddling Tanner at 2 weeks when he had his first overtired/fussy night. this made all the difference in helping him settle down and relax. I love swaddles with velcro because it makes swaddling SO easy. this particular brand has been the one we use every night. the fabric is super soft and light enough so he doesn't get too hot during these summer nights.

noise machine // (we also have the portable version which I keep in the diaper bag). another game changer at two weeks when it came time to help Tanner settle down. white noise, played about as loud as a running shower, is so soothing for babies. Harper liked it as a baby just as much as Tanner does. if you haven't I would recommend reading The Happiest Baby on the Block. it's a great book in helping to understand your baby and figuring out how to help them feel comfortable (less crying!!).

white onsies // simple. easy. my go-to. and I just love a baby boy in a plain white onsie!

aden and anais swaddle blankets // I couldn't resist these ones pictured :) I use these blankets every single day. I think I have a swaddle blanket obsession. just ask my husband- he would agree! there really isn't much more to say, other than they're so great!!

boppy newborn lounger // my friend Kaylani had one of these for her baby who's the same age of Harper and it always looked so great. so with Tanner I just HAD to get one and we've loved it! Tanner loves 'lounging' in it and it's been so convenient in taking him every where we go around the house. often during Harper's bath he's right there with us on his pillow :)

boppy nursing pillow // so helpful in the beginning nursing months when baby is still so little!

IKEA spoka night light // when my friend Holly had her baby a few months ago I saw this night light she had gotten and was very intrigued. since it's a dim light, we use it in the middle of the night for diaper changes. it's great because it gives enough light to see, without being too bright to where it would wake Tanner too much. and what's even better is that it's so portable. the battery lasts so long and is rechargeable. since using it over the past few weeks, we haven't needed to recharge it once.

freezer meals // (hoping to post more on this soon!) last, but most certainly not least! I made a number of freezer meals towards the end of my pregnancy to have on hand for after baby was born. I did this while pregnant with Harper as well. hands down the best thing I ever did to prepare for baby!! between freezer meals and meals that friends/family have brought to us, I haven't had to 'really' make dinner once since Tanner was born! nothing compares to a hot, home-cooked meal. this way we get to enjoy that with such minimal work. 

xoxo

-Brittney

follow along on instagram @brittneyhjelseth

Week/end

I truly never know the difference between our week vs. weekend. a day is a day around our home. with me being home with the kids and Brandon being in real estate (which never sleeps!), it doesn't make much difference if it's a Tuesday or a Saturday. 

so with a little recap of our 'weekend' let's start it on Thursday! :)

THURSDAY - a fun relaxing evening at my in-laws filled with sitting out on their back patio, eating pizza, and swimming. I don't have a single picture, but you can picture Angela, Tanner, and I lounging on the patio furniture while Harper and her nana are running around playing. so many giggles come out of my sweet little two year old. and it is the absolute BEST sound my hears have ever heard.

FRIDAY - uhh... pizza for dinner. again. but apparently it's the weekend and that's what people do on weekends. eat pizza! 

earlier in the day the kiddos and I had to run to costco to get some things for Angela's baby shower that we would be hosting on Saturday. and it was by all means... a costco adventure. but when is costco ever not an adventure, right? the place is always packed. keeping your eyes out for a parking spot while trying your best not to hit or even be hit by a shopper and their massive cart. then it's trying not to hit or be hit by anyone while making your way through the store isle by isle. the shopping went great and was actually fun! Harper loved riding in the basket and gathering our groceries. trying to sit and balance on the watermelon was so funny and (not so funny) she sat right on the fresh croissants. sorry to all at the shower who's croissant for the chicken salad was a bit flat! we got all of our things and both babes made it out the door without a single cry. hallelujah and all the praise hands!! I loaded everyone and everything into the car and then that's when the true adventure began. if you follow me on Instagram, this is where the explanation comes in about me kicking the watermelon across the parking lot ;)

while getting the last of the groceries loaded, Tanner was suddenly hungry and wanted to nurse. and wanted to nurse NOW. I thought maybe if I got driving he'd fall back asleep until we got home. nope. I had gotten to the other side of the costco parking lot without any slowing down of his cry. I pulled over, let Harper out of her car seat to roam the car, grabbed Tanner out of his, and began nursing him. Harper found her way next to me in the front passenger seat. she LOVES to play around in the car. before I knew it she pressed the button to open the back gate of the car. after hearing a big thud, I realized our watermelon had rolled out. of course that's the item that happens to be leaning up against the door! I hopped out with baby in my arms and to my complete surprise the thing didn't crack open! buttt instead it rolled across to the other side of the parking lot.
"do I just leave it???"
but I need it for the shower Saturday and if it gets ran over, I am NOT running back in the store with two kids to buy another. soooo my best option since my arms were full with Tanner was to play a little soccer (and I'm certainly no athlete!) and kick it back towards our car where it could sit safely until I was done nursing Tanner and had two free hands.
so that's exactly what I did.
I was thinking to myself (while stressed as to what mischief Harper might be getting into now), "is there not anyone around to see this happening?! I could really use some help right about now!"
I left that darn watermelon sitting by the car tire with the car gate open.
I figured the hard part was over now so I got back in the car to finish nursing Tanner.
a voice from behind me said "ma'am, can I help you with that watermelon?"
someone had seen me!! slightly embarrassed, but then also relieved, I hopped out of the car. it was a guy working at the tire center who had seen me kicking that massive watermelon and came on over to offer me a hand.
I was a hot, sweaty mess, but all was taken care of now.
we hit up chick-fil-a on our way home :) the perfect fix.

Friday ended with a girl's night at my house with the best friends I could ask for. and you know they're the best of friends when they're there to give you all the support you're in need of with the baby's first major, MAJOR blow out! what are friends for ;)
I'll spare you the picture!

SATURDAY - Angela's baby shower!!!
we had such a great time celebrating this beautiful mama-to-be and her sweet little boy. it is such a blessing to have our baby boys just two months apart. she's going to be one amazing mama and has a heart made of pure gold.

SUNDAY - a day full of rest and being home with my babies. just what I needed. oh and dinner at Cafe Rio for a cherry on top :)

here's to a great week ahead filled with sunshine and laughter!

Xoxo

-Brittney